Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, available through your bank's website or app, or obtainable by calling your bank's customer service line.

The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the banking system which institution holds your account. When money moves between banks—whether you're setting up direct deposit, sending a wire transfer, or paying a bill through another company's system—that receiving institution needs to know which bank to pull the money from. Your routing number is how they find it.

You have several ways to find it depending on what you have access to right now. The fastest route depends on whether you have your checkbook, internet access, or just a phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you have, printed as the first set of nine digits before your account number.
  • Your bank's website or mobile app will display your routing number in the account details or settings section, usually labeled "routing number" or "ABA number".
  • You can call your bank's customer service number on the back of your debit card and ask for your routing number; they will provide it in seconds.
  • Different routing numbers may exist for the same bank depending on the branch or service type, so always confirm you have the correct one for your specific account.
  • The routing number is not sensitive information—it is safe to share with employers, billers, and other institutions that need to deposit or withdraw money from your account.

Reading the routing number from a check

Open your checkbook and look at the bottom of any check. You will see a series of numbers printed in magnetic ink. The first nine digits on the left are your routing number. The next set of digits (usually longer) is your account number. The final short set is the check number itself.

The routing number is always nine digits. If you count and get a different number, you are looking at the account number or check number instead. The routing number comes first, so start from the left edge of the printed numbers at the bottom.

If your checks are old or the ink has faded, the numbers may be hard to read. In that case, move to one of the other methods below.

Finding it through your bank's website or app

Log into your bank's website or open the mobile app. Look for a section labeled "Account Details," "Account Information," "Settings," or sometimes "Transfers." The routing number is often listed alongside your account number.

Some banks label it as "ABA number" instead of "routing number"—these are the same thing. ABA stands for American Bankers Association, the organization that originally assigned these codes.

If you cannot find it in the obvious places, use the search function within the app or website and search for "routing number." Most banks will return a direct link to the page where it is displayed. If the search yields nothing, move to calling customer service.

Calling your bank to get the number

The phone number for customer service is printed on the back of your debit card. Call that number and tell the representative you need your routing number. They will ask you to verify your identity (usually your account number and the last four digits of your Social Security number), then provide the nine-digit code.

This process takes less than two minutes. You do not need to explain why you need it—banks provide this information to account holders on request as a matter of routine.

If you do not have your debit card, search online for "[Your Bank Name] customer service phone number." The main customer service line will be listed on the bank's official website.

Understanding why you might have more than one routing number

Large banks often have multiple routing numbers. Different branches, different states, or different types of accounts (checking versus savings, for example) may each have their own routing number. When you need your routing number for a specific transaction, confirm with your bank that you have the correct one for that account type and location.

If you are setting up direct deposit with an employer, ask your HR department whether they have a preference or a list of accepted routing numbers. If you are sending a wire transfer, your bank will tell you which routing number to use when you initiate the transfer. Do not guess—use the number your bank confirms for your specific situation.

What to do if your bank has closed or merged

If your bank was acquired by another institution, your routing number may have changed. Log into your account through the new bank's system or call their customer service line to confirm your current routing number.

If your bank closed entirely and your account was transferred to another bank, that receiving bank will have sent you documentation with your new routing number. Check any letters or emails you received around the time of the closure. If you cannot find it, call the bank that now holds your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to give my routing number to someone?

Yes. Your routing number is not sensitive information—it identifies your bank, not your account. You will need to share it with employers for direct deposit, with billers for automatic payments, and with other financial institutions for transfers. Someone with only your routing number cannot access your account without your account number as well.

What if I have accounts at multiple banks?

Each account has its own routing number based on which bank holds it. If you have a checking account at Bank A and a savings account at Bank B, you will have two different routing numbers. Keep track of which number belongs to which account so you use the correct one for each transaction.

Can I use any routing number from my bank, or does it have to be a specific one?

It depends on the transaction. For direct deposit and bill payments, the specific routing number for your account type and location is usually required. For wire transfers, your bank will tell you which routing number to use. When in doubt, ask your bank which routing number applies to your specific situation.

What if the routing number I found online does not match the one on my check?

This can happen if your bank has merged or changed its routing structure. Call your bank to confirm which number is current for your account. Use the number your bank provides directly, not the one you found online, since banks sometimes update their systems before all online sources reflect the change.